Gearing Up for Season 2016

We are already making arrangements for our 2016 Season, and it's shaping up to be a great one! We have heard from several volunteers, new and familiar, from around the country, who plan on making the trek to Allegany. It looks like we may also have more local volunteers than ever. We will be welcoming six new international volunteers as well, through Volunteers for Peace (www.vfp.org), for our two week international program. Also, students from all over the country are signing up for the field school. Below is a gradiometer map of our focus area at the Bockmier One site, that takes a look at what lies beneath the plowed soil before we dig. It shows many of the features we have looked at, and some that we will be looking at this season. We can't wait to see you all!

JCC Increases Tuition for Field School

The AVP has learned that Jamestown Community College has recently increased tuition rates for the field school by 49%. This means that, with fees, JCC's 6 credits are $634.50 for in-state, and $1198.50 for out-of-state. We at the Allegheny Valley Project are extremely disappointed in JCC's decision to drastically increase tuition during the registration period, but we have no control over the internal affairs of that institution. I sincerely apologize to all of the prospective students who have made arrangements with the understanding that the tuition would be as previously advertised by JCC and by our organization. I hope that all of you will still be able to join us this season.

A breakdown of the new tuition rates:
          In-state: tuition $94 per credit hour X 6 = $564
                        fees $11.75 per credit hour X 6 = 70.50
                        total $634.50

          Out-of-state: tuition $188 per credit hour X 6 = 1128
                                fees 11.75 per credit hour X 6 = 70.50
                                total $1198.50

International Volunteer Program

The AVP welcomes international volunteers, and the easiest route is through Volunteers for Peace, a non-profit volunteer placement group. VFP volunteers must pay their travel expenses to and from Allegany, NY, but while here, food and lodging are covered by volunteer contributions and a VFP fee. We currently take up to 6 VFP volunteers for two weeks (9 July to 23 July). VFP partners with local volunteer organizations in each country, to make it easier to apply. For more information, you can visit www.vfp.org. Our project code is VFP05-16.

Pot 'O' new section reconstructed

Add another large section of Pot 'O' to the growing catalogue. We may end up with more than 50% of this particular pot. Join us next season as we investigate the mysterious ditch, continue to work on the longhouse, and excavate the north "neck" of the refuse pit in which most of Pot 'O' was found. July 6 to August 16.

Winter Newsletter

The winter newsletter is set to be distributed next week, so keep an eye on your inbox or mail box. If you are not signed up to receive the newsletter (free), email avp.archaeology@gmail.com to be added to the list.

Registration open for 2016 Field School

Mail-in Registration runs from January 4 until July 1 for the Summer 2016 JCC-AVP field school. The 6-credit course has a discounted tuition rate of $378 for in-state students, and $756 for out-of-state students, plus JCC fees of $70.50. Download the mail-in form from https://www.sunyjcc.edu/sites/default/files/registrationforms_summer2016.pdf . For more information on tuition, fees or the registration process, email Shannon Bessette at ShannonBessette@mail.sunyjcc.edu . For more information about the field school itself, food/lodging options, and the project in general, email Steve Howard at avp.archaeology@gmail.com .

2016 Field School Information

The 2016 Jamestown Community College/AVP Archaeological Field School will run from July 6 to August 16, Monday through Saturday 8am-5pm. This is a full 6-credit field school, with a discounted college tuition rate. JCC's tuition is only $378 plus fees ($70.50) for New York State residents and $756 plus fees for those residing elsewhere. This does not include transportation to and from Allegany NY, nor does it include room and board. Lodging options include local motels (most expensive), local camping areas (less expensive), and limited space in rental units shared with AVP volunteers (least expensive, but first-come basis). Email Steve at avp.archaeology@gmail.com for more complete details and expense estimates for out-of-state students.